Mixing faith and football

In images, the legal saga over Kountze High School cheerleaders and their religious-themed banners at football games.

By Chron.com staff

on October 18, 2012 12:00 AM

Photo: BE

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Cheerleaders Kieara Moffett, middle, and Rebekah Richardson, right, talk to the media before leaving the courthouse as Senior Counsel for the Liberty Institute, left, looks on Thursday, Oct. 18. A judge ruled Thursday that cheerleaders may continue to express their messages on banners for now. less

Cheerleaders Kieara Moffett, middle, and Rebekah Richardson, right, talk to the media before leaving the courthouse as Senior Counsel for the Liberty Institute, left, looks on Thursday, Oct. 18. A judge ruled ... more

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said Wednesday that he would intervene on behalf of the cheerleaders. Kountze cheerleader Meagan Tantillo, 17, creates a banner Wednesday, Oct. 17, for Friday's football game.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said Wednesday that he would intervene on behalf of the cheerleaders. Kountze cheerleader Meagan Tantillo, 17, creates a banner Wednesday, Oct. 17, for Friday's football game.

At the end of the day, after the judge had decided on an extension for the temporary restraining order, Coti Matthews, top, and her cheerleader daughter Macy Matthews, bottom, leave the courthouse. Thursday morning, 356th District Court Judge Steve Thomas heard arguments from the Kountze cheerleaders and the school district regarding use of scriptures on signs at football games. He has to decide to order a temporary injunction, allowing the cheerleaders to use their signs or not. The hearing started at 9 a.m. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

At the end of the day, after the judge had decided on an extension for the temporary restraining order, Coti Matthews, top, and her cheerleader daughter Macy Matthews, bottom, leave the courthouse. Thursday ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

At the end of the day, after the judge had decided on an extension... Photo-3609596.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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Kountze cheerleaders hold a banner with a Bible verse for football players to break through at the start of a game. A hearing on a temporary injunction to allow the signs to continue is scheduled for Thursday.

Kountze cheerleaders hold a banner with a Bible verse for football players to break through at the start of a game. A hearing on a temporary injunction to allow the signs to continue is scheduled for Thursday.

Lion #6, Jamazdon Powell, right, leads the team out onto the field in front of the home crowd. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the sign controversy started and since the Thursday hearing that determined the cheerleaders could or could not use their faith-based signs. Kountze hasn't made the playoffs since 1973, but the team is currently 4-1after losing to Woodville Friday night October 5, 2012. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Lion #6, Jamazdon Powell, right, leads the team out onto the field in front of the home crowd. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the sign controversy started and since the Thursday hearing ... more

Lion #6, Jamazdon Powell right, with his hand on the shoulder of his teammate #4, Tyler Brown, bows his head before the start of the national anthem. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the sign controversy started and since the Thursday hearing that determined the cheerleaders could or could not use their faith-based signs. Kountze hasn't made the playoffs since 1973, but the team is currently 4-1after losing to Woodville Friday night October 5, 2012. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Lion #6, Jamazdon Powell right, with his hand on the shoulder of his teammate #4, Tyler Brown, bows his head before the start of the national anthem. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the ... more

The cheerleaders get themselves together to put the banner up for the players. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the sign controversy started and since the Thursday hearing that determined the cheerleaders could or could not use their faith-based signs. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

The cheerleaders get themselves together to put the banner up for the players. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the sign controversy started and since the Thursday hearing that determined ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

The cheerleaders get themselves together to put the banner up for... Photo-3609588.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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Charlie Henson, 89, right, his friend Jack Sammons, left, and Mitzi Toups, middle, show their support for the cheerleaders Oct. 5.

Charlie Henson, 89, right, his friend Jack Sammons, left, and Mitzi Toups, middle, show their support for the cheerleaders Oct. 5.

A sign can be seen taped to an entrance ramp before the start of the game in support of the cheerleaders. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the sign controversy started and since the Thursday hearing that determined the cheerleaders could or could not use their faith-based signs. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

A sign can be seen taped to an entrance ramp before the start of the game in support of the cheerleaders. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the sign controversy started and since the ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

A sign can be seen taped to an entrance ramp before the start of... Photo-3609594.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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A lone sign is taped to the concession stand wall in support of the cheerleaders. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the sign controversy started and since the Thursday hearing that determined the cheerleaders could or could not use their faith-based signs. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

A lone sign is taped to the concession stand wall in support of the cheerleaders. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the sign controversy started and since the Thursday hearing that ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

A lone sign is taped to the concession stand wall in support of the... Photo-3609591.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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Shirts and yard signs are being sold in support of the Kountze cheerleaders. Where does that money go? Enterprise file photos.

Shirts and yard signs are being sold in support of the Kountze cheerleaders. Where does that money go? Enterprise file photos.

Photo: BE

Shirts and yard signs are being sold in support of the Kountze... Photo-3609572.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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After a judge granted a temporary restraining order in the Kountze cheerleader case, the cheerleaders of Kountze Middle School used their faith-based signs at the middle school football game held at Kountze High School on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. less

After a judge granted a temporary restraining order in the Kountze cheerleader case, the cheerleaders of Kountze Middle School used their faith-based signs at the middle school football game held at Kountze ... more

Photo: Randy Edwards, .

After a judge granted a temporary restraining order in the Kountze... Photo-3609409.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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Kountze High School cheerleaders and other children work on a large sign Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 in Kountze, Texas. The small Hardin County community is rallying behind the high school's cheerleaders after the squad members were told they could not use scripture verses on their signs at the football games. (AP Photo/The Beaumont Enterprise, Dave Ryan) less

Kountze High School cheerleaders and other children work on a large sign Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 in Kountze, Texas. The small Hardin County community is rallying behind the high school's cheerleaders after ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Associated Press

Kountze High School cheerleaders and other children work on a large... Photo-3483557.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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Brooke Coates, left, a cheerleader, paints a long sign on the patio. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Brooke Coates, left, a cheerleader, paints a long sign on the patio. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car ... more

Kennedy Flower, a cheerleader, works on her own sign, by herself among other finished signs. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Kennedy Flower, a cheerleader, works on her own sign, by herself among other finished signs. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

Kennedy Flower, a cheerleader, works on her own sign, by herself... Photo-3483560.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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Andrea Lawrence double checks her bible while working on a big sign. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Andrea Lawrence double checks her bible while working on a big sign. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

Andrea Lawrence double checks her bible while working on a big... Photo-3483561.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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Ashton Lawrence, a cheerleader, enhances her latest piece of work on the patio. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ashton Lawrence, a cheerleader, enhances her latest piece of work on the patio. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and ... more

Brooke Coates, a cheerleader, paints more verse on another car. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Brooke Coates, a cheerleader, paints more verse on another car. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car ... more

Kountze High School cheerleader Grace Walton works on her sign next to a finished one Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 in Kountze, Texas. The small Hardin County community is rallying behind the high school's cheerleaders after the squad members were told they could not use scripture verses on their signs at the football games. (AP Photo/The Beaumont Enterprise, Dave Ryan) less

Kountze High School cheerleader Grace Walton works on her sign next to a finished one Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 in Kountze, Texas. The small Hardin County community is rallying behind the high school's ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Associated Press

Kountze High School cheerleader Grace Walton works on her sign next... Photo-3483566.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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Morgan Coplen, a cheerleader, writes a verse on the rear windshield of a truck. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Morgan Coplen, a cheerleader, writes a verse on the rear windshield of a truck. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and ... more

Morgan Coplen, a cheerleader, writes a proverb number on the side windshield of a truck. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Morgan Coplen, a cheerleader, writes a proverb number on the side windshield of a truck. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

Morgan Coplen, a cheerleader, writes a proverb number on the side... Photo-3483573.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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The kids work on a large sign in the driveway that required some of the kids to sit on the sign to keep it from blowing in the breeze. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

The kids work on a large sign in the driveway that required some of the kids to sit on the sign to keep it from blowing in the breeze. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

The kids work on a large sign in the driveway that required some of... Photo-3483575.49384 - Houston Chronicle

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Ashton Jennings, a cheerleader, checks her finished work, a bible verse, on the rear windshield of a car. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ashton Jennings, a cheerleader, checks her finished work, a bible verse, on the rear windshield of a car. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their ... more

The kids work on a large sign in the driveway that required some of the kids to sit on the sign to keep it from blowing in the breeze. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

The kids work on a large sign in the driveway that required some of the kids to sit on the sign to keep it from blowing in the breeze. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

The kids work on a large sign in the driveway that required some of... Photo-3483579.49384 - Houston Chronicle

Image 32 of 42

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have enough weight on it to keep it from blowing in the breeze and ripping. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have enough weight on it to keep it from blowing in the breeze and ripping. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have... Photo-3483584.49384 - Houston Chronicle

Image 33 of 42

Brooke Coates, a cheerleader, paints more verse on another car. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Brooke Coates, a cheerleader, paints more verse on another car. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car ... more

Finished small signs sit drying as the kids moved on to paint large signs in the driveway. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Finished small signs sit drying as the kids moved on to paint large signs in the driveway. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

Finished small signs sit drying as the kids moved on to paint large... Photo-3483589.49384 - Houston Chronicle

Image 35 of 42

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have enough weight on it to keep it from blowing in the breeze and ripping. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have enough weight on it to keep it from blowing in the breeze and ripping. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have... Photo-3483582.49384 - Houston Chronicle

Image 36 of 42

Brooke Coates, a cheerleader, paints more verse on another car. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Brooke Coates, a cheerleader, paints more verse on another car. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car ... more

Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making large signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making large signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze ... more

Andrea Lawrence double checks her bible while working on a sign. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Andrea Lawrence double checks her bible while working on a sign. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

Andrea Lawrence double checks her bible while working on a sign.... Photo-3483601.49384 - Houston Chronicle

Image 39 of 42

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have enough weight on it to keep it from blowing in the breeze and ripping. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have enough weight on it to keep it from blowing in the breeze and ripping. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have... Photo-3483612.49384 - Houston Chronicle

Image 40 of 42

Kaylee Ledoux, a cheerleader, works on her own sign writing one of her favorite sayings. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Kaylee Ledoux, a cheerleader, works on her own sign writing one of her favorite sayings. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

Kaylee Ledoux, a cheerleader, works on her own sign writing one of... Photo-3483600.49384 - Houston Chronicle

Image 41 of 42

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have enough weight on it to keep it from blowing in the breeze and ripping. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up for their kids and their beliefs, were making signs and painting car windows Wednesday afternoon that will be seen around Kountze in support of the cheerleaders who were told they could not put scripture on their football signs. Each game this season, the Kountze cheerleaders have made Christian-themed run-through signs for the football players. The signs, which featured scripture verses, went viral and have now been stopped by the school district's leaders who were told by a group the signs were offensive and against the separation of church and state. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have enough weight on it to keep it from blowing in the breeze and ripping. Kountze cheerleaders, friends and supportive parents who are standing up ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan, Dave Ryan/The Enterprise

The kids wrestle a large sign in the driveway that did not have... Photo-3483615.49384 - Houston Chronicle